New data on the structure of the Kas Block in the basement of the West Siberian Plate

A new concept concerning the structure and stages of evolution of the Kas Block of the West Siberian Plate is stated in this paper. The Kas Block is traditionally considered to be a subsided western margin of the Siberian Platform. The new concept is based on the results of the interpretation of the geophysical data recently obtained along the reference and regional profiles in this territory. The geological interpretation of the deep dynamic sections obtained by reprocessing of the CDP seismic reflection records has been performed for the first time. The structural features of the Kas Block, as well as the character of its junction with the Siberian Platform and the Paleozoic framework, are discussed. The tectonic scheme of the territory and the scheme of the pre-Late Devonian surface of the Kas Block have been compiled. The Baikalian age of the basement of the Kas Block is substantiated. The Salairian allochthonous ophiolite-basalt tectonic nappe is localized for the first time within the sedimentary cover of the Kas Block. The available information allowed us to reconstruct the development of the western margin of the Siberian continent in the Riphean and Early Paleozoic before and after the Baikalian Orogeny, respectively. The informational background of the geological and geophysical interpretation involves the results of the CDP seismic reflection profiling, including the deep dynamic seismic sections and parameters of the P-wave velocities along the reference 1-SB seismic line and the regional Vostok 10, 12, 15, and 16 seismic lines; the results of the deep seismic and magnetotelluric soundings; the gravity measurements; the magnetic exploration; and the new coherent physical geological models.